Nikola delivers first Tre BEV heavy truck

Nikola Tre BEV at the Port of Los Angeles

Nikola Corporation has delivered its first Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The truck was ordered by Total Transportation Services (TTSI), a trucking company working around ports in Southern California that focuses on zero-emissions transport.

Nikola has previously received a letter of intent from TTSI covering delivery of 100 zero-emissions trucks. This truck is the first of four pilot vehicles, which will include two BEVs and two fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Based on vehicle trials and TTSI receiving government funding, 30 further BEVs are scheduled for delivery across 2022, with 70 FCEVs following in 2023.

Built on an Iveco S-Way platform, the Tre BEV features a 753 kWh battery pack which delivers a continuous 645 hp. At 240 kW, the battery can recharge from 10 to 80% in 120 minutes.

The Nikola Tre BEV is intended for deliveries over a 350-mile range. The FCEV equivalent is designed for ranges up to 500 miles. The FCEV will offer rapid refuelling and increased load capacity.

TTSI estimates that up to 14000 trucks enter the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach in any given month. This creates about 2600 tonnes of nitrogen oxide emissions. The location is described as offering ‘one of the largest opportunities in California to make a significant impact for the transition to sustainable transportation’.

Nikola is also scheduled to deliver up to 25 Tre BEVs to the Port of Hamburg over 2022.